Senior Design Manager in St Albans

STRABAG UK is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Senior Design Manager to join our Build subdivision, leading the design delivery of major build developments within the Industrial & Logistical sector across the UK. This role will focus on a diverse portfolio of steel frame projects, from large-scale warehousing and distribution centres to advanced manufacturing and industrial facilities, ensuring that design solutions are coordinated, efficient, buildable, and aligned with programme, budget, and quality objectives.

As a Senior Design Manager, you will play a key leadership role from pre-construction through to project completion, managing multidisciplinary design teams, driving collaboration across internal and external stakeholders, and championing innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence. Working within a dynamic and growing sector, you will help shape high-performing projects that reflect STRABAG UK’s commitment to delivering intelligent construction solutions, operational excellence, and long-term value for clients. This vacancy will cover multiple live and upcoming projects within the St Albans and general Hertfordshire area.

Requirements

• Take ownership and accountability for the technical requirements of the project solutions delivered throughout the project life cycle.
• Develop general processes with regards to Delivery, Review, Assurance, Progress Measurement, Document Control.
• Create and maintain the Design Deliverables Register which is the list of all historic, current, and future Design deliverables and reflects the scope and programme of the Design team.
• Create and maintain Design Assurance Documents.
• Create and issue on a monthly basis the Design Progress Tracker, to report the Design Progress Measurement.
• Report on KPIs for Deliverables.
• Identify and implement improvements to general processes.
• Provide training and support to the entire design Team to work to the set-up processes.
• Ensure a consistent general approach throughout the Design Team.
• Identify opportunities to increase the efficiency of processes.
• Manage the interface with external or in-house design teams on behalf of the Project Manager.
• Represent the design department, when necessary, at internal and external meetings and, in the absence of the Design Engineer, to be the focal point of contact within the department.
• Liaise with other departments and project teams within the Company with respect to design requirements.
• Undertake site visits when appropriate.
• Allocate design tasks to individuals within informal internal teams whilst maintaining responsibility for the team’s overall performance.
• Undertake the responsibilities of project design engineer if appointed.
• Ensure that the work in the department is carried out in accordance with Company procedures and that a high level of professionalism is maintained.
• Ensure that chargeable work is identified and evaluated including the preparation of adequate records of time spent.
• Ensure feedback on design work is collated and saved in accordance with procedures.
• Prepare conceptual designs with a view to the preparation of safe, practical and economic designs in accordance with current legislation.
• Prepare detailed designs in accordance with current standards and codes including calculations, design risk assessments and sufficiently detailed sketches for the preparation of working drawings.
• Check and evaluate the design work of other staff members and external designers.
• Summarize quantities relating to design tasks for pricing purposes.
• Maintain responsibility for the storage, filing and archiving of documents relevant to the design tasks undertaken by yourself or your team.
• Lead the design process within Work Winning to ensure sufficient, economical designs are in place for tender purposes.
• Identify and manage out risk where possible at through all work stages.

Skills & Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Proven experience in a Senior Design Manager or Design Manager role within main contracting or major construction delivery.
• Strong background delivering industrial, logistics, warehousing, or large steel frame construction projects.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design teams on complex live projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK Building Regulations, planning processes, and statutory compliance.
• Experience working through pre-construction and delivery phases.
• Member of CIOB / ICE desirable.
• CSCS card.

What you stand to gain

• Opportunity to work and have a lasting impact on landmark UK projects.
• Collaborative and innovative working environment.
• Professional development and career progression.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including private health cover, 9% pension and 25 days holiday.

We stand for respect, partnership, and sustainability, creating a work environment that promotes safety, health, and development. Our committed and healthy employees are our most valuable asset – the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. With our "People. Planet. Progress." strategy and the motto WORK ON PROGRESS, we drive change forward – with the goal of climate neutrality by 2040.